Intended for healthcare professionals

Views And Reviews Soundings

Dead hospitals

BMJ 1998; 316 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.316.7147.1837 (Published 13 June 1998) Cite this as: BMJ 1998;316:1837
  1. James Owen Drife, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology
  1. Leeds

    Britain's hospital services are being restructured and everywhere the talk is of mergers and hub and spoke configurations. Doctors generally like the prospect of better facilities and we negotiate with enthusiasm for new offices, more teaching space, and patient free loos. When moving day comes we look forward, not back.


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    Although there are “Save our Hospital” campaigns they have the defiant but defeated air of the Titfield Thunderbolt or Arthur Scargill. Local sensitivities are soothed by name changes. When St Swithin's Hospital closes, Loamshire Royal Infirmary acquires a St Swithin's Wing. The prewar support of the Swithin's Penny-a-week Club is commemorated …

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